Artificial fishing lure with mechanical hook assembly

ABSTRACT

An artificial fishing lure includes a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piece spring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firing chamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition. A pivoted actuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for moving the loaded hook assembly into the escape notch of the hollow body, thereby releasing the hook assembly into the fish-catching condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates broadly to an artificial fishing lurewhich incorporates a mechanical hook assembly. In terms of recreationalfishing, a lure is an object attached to the end of fishing line anddesigned to resemble and move like an item of fish prey. The basicpurpose of the lure is to use movement, vibrations, and/or color tocatch the fish's attention and to entice the fish to “bite” the hook.Conventional lures may be equipped with one or more exposed single,double, or treble hooks. Such lures are generally used with a fishingrod and fishing reel. When a lure is used for casting, it is continuallycast out and retrieved—the retrieval making the lure “swim” through thewater.

The concept of the present disclosure may be incorporated in manydifferent types of fishing lures. For example, the present lure maycomprise or incorporate a jig, spoon, plug (or crankbait), artificialfly, bass worm, spinnerbait, or the like. Additionally, multiple luresof the present disclosure may be used on a single line, as in the mannerof a trotline.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention are describedbelow. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way ofexample only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is notintended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or stepsof any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodimentnecessarily includes the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,”or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprisesan artificial fishing lure incorporating a spring-biased hook assemblyadapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a releasedcondition. A hook-setting base temporarily retains the hook assembly inthe loaded condition. A pliant, outwardly-flexed compression trigger isadapted for straightening upon application of an inwardly directedforce. When straightened, the trigger pushes the hook-setting base awayfrom the hook assembly, and releases the hook assembly for suddenmovement from the loaded condition to the released condition. The term“lure” is used broadly herein to mean any device used alone, or incombination with other devices, elements, or structure, for purposes ofattracting and/or catching fish.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly comprisesfirst and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositelydirected bends and points.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second hooksdefine respective outwardly curved pinch points adapted for beingsimultaneously pressed together to return the hook assembly from thereleased condition to the loaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines aneye for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook-setting basecomprises a weighted body defining a pocket for releasably receiving aportion of the hook assembly in the loaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the outwardly-flexed triggercomprises opposing, resilient legs formed with the weighted body andattached (and locked) to the hook assembly adjacent the eye.

According to another exemplary embodiment, with the hook assembly in theloaded condition, the resilient legs are laterally spaced apart adistance of between 10 and 20 mm at opposing points of greatest flexion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, with the hook assembly in thereleased condition, the resilient legs are laterally spaced apart amaximum distance of less than 15 mm.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises anartificial fishing lure incorporating a spring-biased hook assembly andhook-setting ring. The hook assembly is adapted for sudden movement froma loaded condition to a released condition, and comprises at least onehook having an elongated shank and bend. The hook-setting ring iscarried on the shank of the hook adjacent the bend for temporarilyretaining the hook assembly in the loaded condition. A compressiontrigger including a projecting tooth is adapted for engaging thehook-setting ring, and moving the ring along the shank of the hook uponapplication of an inwardly directed force. Sliding movement of thehook-setting ring away from the bend of the hook releases the hookassembly for sudden movement from the loaded condition to the releasedcondition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly includesfirst and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositelydirected bends and points. Use of multiple hooks may effect multipleholds upon the fish. Alternatively, the hook assembly may comprise onlya single hook.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines aneye for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression triggerincludes a folded flat metal spring comprising first and secondspaced-apart opposing metal plates. Alternatively, the compressiontrigger (and/or other components of the fishing lure) may be formed of aplastic or any other suitable material.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the projecting toothcomprises an integrally-formed portion of the first metal plate bentinwardly towards the second metal plate.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the projecting tooth has asubstantially wedge-shaped profile.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second metal platedefines a tooth opening adapted for receiving a tip of the projectingtooth upon compression of the trigger.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression triggerincludes a cooperating second projecting tooth comprising anintegrally-formed portion of the second metal plate bent inwardlytowards the first metal plate.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the second projecting toothhas a substantially wedge-shaped profile.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first metal plate definesa tooth opening adapted for receiving a tip of the second projectingtooth upon compression of the trigger.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the compression triggercomprises integrally-formed (or separately formed) bait attachment pinsextending between the first and second metal plates.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the invention may comprise anartificial fishing lure having a base assembly, a spring-biased hookassembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and apivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading andtrailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and isadapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a releasedcondition. The hook assembly comprises a proximal end and a pointeddistal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is locatedadjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted fortemporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loadedcondition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailingend of the base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with thehook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loadedcondition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post,and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hookassembly when actuated. The hook-setting post then disengages theproximal end of the hook assembly, and thereby releases the hookassembly for sudden rearward movement outwardly from the retentionmember from the loaded condition to the released condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly comprisesfirst and second integrally-formed metal hooks having oppositelydirected bends and points.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook assembly defines aneye at its proximal end for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the base assembly comprises asubstantially planar body defining opposing outwardly-flared wingsdesigned for guarding the pointed distal end of the hook assembly in theloaded condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a line-guiding head isintegrally formed with the actuation lever and located at the leadingend of the base assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the line-guiding head definesa through-bore for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an elongated bait-attachingtail is located at the trailing end of the base assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the retention membercomprises a retention bridge defining an underpassage through which thehook assembly extends.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a hook stop is locatedrearward of the retention bridge, and is adapted for limited rearwardmovement of the hook assembly from the loaded condition to the releasedcondition.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises anartificial fishing lure including a substantially hollow body havingfront and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and anescape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piecespring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firingchamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for suddenrearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a releasedfish-catching condition. The hook assembly comprises first and secondmetal hooks integrally-formed together at a proximal end of the hookassembly, and having oppositely directed bends and points at a distalend of the hook assembly. The distal end of the hook assembly is adaptedfor being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force ofthe hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends and pointsreside substantially together when in the loaded condition and flareapart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the releasedfish-catching condition. The term “substantially together” means thatthe bends and points of respective hooks are closer together when in theloaded condition, as compared to the released condition. A pivotedactuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and anopposite hook-engaging end adapted for releasing the hook assembly fromthe loaded condition. In the loaded condition, the inherentspring-biasing force of the hook assembly is stored inside the firingchamber of the body. When the actuation lever is pivoted, thehook-engaging end moves the hook assembly into the escape notch of thehollow body, whereby the spring-biasing force of the hook assemblycauses sudden rearward movement of the hook assembly outwardly from thefiring chamber and into the released fish-catching condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the firing chamber of thehollow body is substantially tubular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body comprisesopposing internal shoulders spaced apart to form a guide slot within thefiring chamber.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body has an eye atits front end for receiving a free end of fishing line.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hollow body comprisesopposing outwardly flared wings.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the hook-engaging end of theactuation lever defines a hook opening for slidably receiving one of thefirst and second metal hooks, such that the hook-engaging end guides andcontrols movement the hook assembly when released rearwardly from theloaded condition into the fish-catching condition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuation lever issubstantially L-shaped.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the rear end of the hollowbody is substantially annular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the escape notch is formedwith an annular rim at the rear end of the hollow body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the escape notch has a lengthdimension extending along a length of the body and circumferentialdimension along a circumference of the annular rim. In this embodiment,the length dimension of the escape notch is greater than itscircumferential dimension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of exemplary embodiments proceeds in conjunction withthe following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical fishing lure according toone exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mechanical fishing lure with aportion of the lure body broken away to illustration the hook assemblyin a loaded or set condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mechanical fishing lure with aportion of the lure body broken away to illustration the hook assemblyin the released or tripped condition;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are opposing plan views of the mechanical fishing lurewith the hook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the mechanical fishing lure, and showing thehook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the mechanical fishing lure with the hookassembly in the loaded condition;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are sequential side elevations demonstrating operation ofthe mechanical fishing lure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mechanical fishing lure according toan alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the mechanical fishing lure with the hookassembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the mechanical fishing lure, and showing thehook assembly in the loaded condition;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the mechanical fishing lure with a portion ofthe lure body broken away to illustrate the hook assembly temporarilyretained within a pocket of the hook-setting base;

FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanicalfishing lure as the hook-setting base is moved away from the hookassembly, thereby releasing the spring-loaded double hooks;

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate an alternative mechanical fishing lure accordingto a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and showthe spring-biased hook assembly in a loaded condition;

FIGS. 20-22 show the exemplary fishing lure with the spring-biased hookassembly in the released condition;

FIG. 23 illustrates yet another mechanical fishing lure according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the exemplary fishing lure with thehook assembly removed, and illustrating the hook assembly in a releasedfish-catching condition and in the loaded condition (in phantom);

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fishing lure;

FIGS. 26 and 27 show the exemplary fishing lure with the hook assemblyin the loaded and released conditions, respectively;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the exemplary fishing lure with thehook assembly in the released fish-catching condition; and

FIG. 29 is view of the exemplary hook assembly in the releasedcondition.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodimentsof the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to likeelements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete.Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such asadaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements,will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein andfall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unlessotherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be giventheir broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with thatapplicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to anyspecific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article“a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item isintended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. Whenused herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least oneof the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/orarrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although stepsof various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in asequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes ormethods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequenceor arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpectedresults, or operability of the present invention are not intended as anaffirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practiceor that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless statedotherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterite)is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has beenpreviously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings an artificial, mechanicalfishing lure according to one exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at referencenumeral 10. The exemplary fishing lure 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-9. In thisembodiment, the fishing lure 10 comprises a cooperating weighted lurebody 11 and spring-biased double hook assembly 12. As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the hook assembly comprises first and secondintegrally-formed metal hooks 14A, 14B adapted for sudden movement, asdiscussed below, from a loaded (or “set”) condition to a released (or“tripped”) condition. The hooks 14A, 14B have respective elongatedshanks 15A, 15B, and oppositely directed bends 16A, 16B and points 18A,18B. Proximal ends of the shanks 15A, 15B curve into a single common eye19 through which a free end of fishing line may be inserted andattached. A hook-setting ring 21 is carried on respective shanks 15A,15B of the hooks 14A, 14B adjacent the bends 16A, 16B, as shown in FIG.2, and serves to temporarily retain the hook assembly 12 in the loadedcondition. The shank 15A, 15B of each hook 14A, 14B may also define aslight jog 22A, 22B proximate the bend 16A, 16B for seating andprecisely locating the hook-setting ring 21 upon movement of the hookassembly 12 into the loaded condition.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4-7, the exemplary lure body 11 substantiallycovers the loaded hook assembly 12, and may comprise a stamped andfolded metal blank constructed of any suitable finished or non-finishedhigh carbon spring steel, nickel-silver, high-nickel alloy, stainlesssteel, phosphor-bronze and beryllium-copper combination, or the like.The curve radius “R” (FIG. 7) at the fold, or hinge point, may be in therange of 2 to 10 mm. When folded, the metal blank forms opposingresiliently-spaced flat metal plates 24 and 25 of the lure body 11. Eachmetal plate 24, 25 has a cut and integrally-bent rigid tooth 26 and 27which projects inwardly from one plate to the other. In the embodimentshown, each tooth 26, 27 has a substantially wedge-shaped profile. Whenthe hook assembly 12 is in the loaded condition, the teeth 26, 27 alignrelative to the hook-setting ring 21 such that an inwardly directedcompression force acting on the spaced metal plates 24, 25 brings theteeth 26, 27 together, thereby engaging the hook-setting ring 21 andunseating the ring from its location adjacent the shank jogs 22A, 22B.When the lure body 11 is compressed, the points of the teeth 26, 27 maypass through respective openings 28, 29 defined in the metal plates 24,25. Once the compression force is removed, the metal plates 24, 25return to their originally spaced position. Bait attachment pins 31comprising additional cut and bent portions of the metal plate 24 mayextend between the plates, and pass through aligned openings 32 in theopposing plate 25 upon compression of the lure body 11.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanicalfishing lure 10. The folded lure body 11 comprises a “trigger” which,when compressed, serves to trip the spring-biased hook assembly 12. FIG.7 shows the fishing lure 10 with the hook assembly 12 in the loadedcondition and the hook-setting ring 21 seated adjacent the bend 16A, 16Bof each hook 14A, 14B (as also shown in FIG. 2). In this loadedcondition, the fishing lure 10 may be cast outwardly into a body ofwater, and then drawn through the water using a conventional rod andreel outfit. As the fishing lure 10 is received into the mouth of afish, the inward force acting on one (or both) opposing metal plates 24,25 causes the projecting teeth 26, 27 to engage and unseat thehook-setting ring 21 from shank jogs 22A, 22B, as shown in 8, therebyreleasing the spring-biased hook assembly 12. Immediately thereafter,the hook-setting ring 21 slides along respective shanks 15A, 15B towardsthe common eye 19, as indicated by arrow 35, while the double hooks 14A,14B flare suddenly outwardly piecing the fish with respective points18A, 18B. FIG. 9 (and FIG. 3) shows the hook assembly 12 in the releasedcondition.

A further exemplary embodiment of an artificial mechanical fishing lure50 is shown in FIGS. 10-15. Like that previously described, the fishinglure 50 comprises a cooperating weighted lure body 51 and spring-biaseddouble hook assembly 52. As best shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the hookassembly 52 includes first and second integrally-formed metal hooks 54A,54B adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition (FIG. 13) to areleased condition (FIG. 15). The hooks 54A, 54B have respectiveelongated shanks 55A, 55B, and oppositely directed bends 56A, 56B andpoints 58A, 58B. Proximal ends of the shanks 55A, 55B curve into asingle common eye 59 through which a free end of fishing line may beinserted and attached. The first and second hooks 54A, 54B furtherdefine respective outwardly curved pinch points 61A, 61B adapted forbeing simultaneously and safely pressed together (using, e.g., the thumband forefinger) to return the hook assembly 52 from the releasedcondition to the loaded condition.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the exemplary lure body 51 comprisesa hook-setting base 64, and a pair of pliant (and resilient) legs 65A,65B formed with the base 64 and attached to the hook assembly 52adjacent the eye 59. The hook-setting base 64 forms a pocket 66 (SeeFIGS. 13-15) designed to releasably receive a portion of the hookassembly 52 and to temporarily retain the hook assembly 52 in the loadedcondition. In this loaded condition, the resilient legs 65A, 65B of thelure body 51 are flexed slightly outwardly, as best shown in FIG. 11,and are laterally spaced apart a distance “D” of between 10 mm and 20 mmat opposing points of greatest flexion. Alternatively, the distance “D”may be between 10 mm and 15 mm, or between 15 mm and 20 mm, or greaterthan 20 mm. The fishing lure 50 may also include a flexible tail 68formed with the lure body 51.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 demonstrate sequential operation of the mechanicalfishing lure 50. The opposing pliant and resilient legs 65A, 65B of thelure body 51 comprise an outwardly-flexed “trigger” which, whencompressed, serves to trip the spring-loaded hook assembly 52. FIG. 13shows the fishing lure 50 with a portion of the hook assembly 52retained within the pocket 66 of the hook-setting base 64. In thisloaded condition, the fishing lure 50 may be cast outwardly into a bodyof water, and then drawn through the water using a conventional rod andreel outfit. As the fishing lure 50 is received into the mouth of afish, the inward force acting on one (or both) resilient legs 65A, 65Bcauses the legs to straighten, thereby forcing the hook-setting base 64of the lure body 51 away from the loaded hook assembly 52. As the bends56A, 56B of respective hooks 54A, 54B clear the pocket 66, as shown inFIG. 14, the spring-biased hook assembly 52 releases causing the hooks54A, 54B to flare suddenly outwardly piecing the fish with the hookpoints 58A, 58B. FIG. 15 shows the hook assembly 52 in the releasedcondition. In this condition, the resilient legs 65A, 65B of the lurebody 51 are laterally spaced apart a maximum distance of less than 15 mmin one embodiment, less than 10 mm in another embodiment, and less than5 mm in yet another embodiment.

FIGS. 16-22 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment of an artificialmechanical fishing lure 100 according to the present disclosure. Thefishing lure 100 comprises a base assembly 110 having spaced-apartleading and trailing ends, a spring-biased hook assembly 111 carried bythe base assembly 110, a movable hook-setting post 112, a fixedretention member 113, and a pivoted actuation lever 114. The exemplaryhook assembly 111 comprises first and second metal hooks 111A, 111Bdesigned for sudden rearward movement from a spring-biased loadedcondition (FIGS. 16-19) to an outwardly-flared released condition (FIGS.20-22). The hooks 111A, 111B are integrally-formed together at aproximal end 115 (or “eye”) of the hook assembly 111, and haveoppositely directed bends “B” and points “P” at the distal end 116. Thebase assembly 110 includes a generally thin, planar body 121 havingopposing outwardly curved wings 122, 123 which serve to guard respectivepoints “P” of hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition, as best shownin FIGS. 16 and 18.

The hook-setting post 112 is located adjacent the leading end of thebase assembly 110, and operates to temporarily engage the proximal end115 of the hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition shown in FIGS.16-19. The fixed retention member 113 is located adjacent the trailingend of the base assembly 110, and cooperates with the hook-setting post112 to temporarily hold the hook assembly 111 in the loaded condition.In the exemplary embodiment, the fixed retention member 113 comprises aretention bridge formed with the base assembly 110, and defining aslotted underpassage 125 through which respective shanks “S” of the hookassembly 111 extend. The retention bridge 113 guides and directsmovement of the double hooks 111A, 111B rearwardly from the baseassembly 110 when the hook assembly 111 is released from the springloaded condition. Alternatively, the retention member 113 may compriseany other structure capable of temporarily holding the spring-biasedhook assembly 111 together until released by the hook-setting post 112,as described below.

The actuation lever 114 is connected to the hook-setting post 112 and anunderside of the planar body 121 at fulcrum 126. A line-guiding head 128defining a small through-bore 129 may be formed with the actuation lever114 forward of the hook-setting post 112. A flexible fishing line (notshown) attached to a conventional rod and reel outfit is passed throughthe line-guiding head 128 and tied at the eye 115 (proximal end) of thehook assembly 111. When the lever 114 is depressed towards the planarbody 121 of the base assembly 110, as indicated by arrow 131 in FIG. 19,the hook-setting post 112 moves away from and disengages the hookassembly 111 at its proximal end 115, as indicated by arrow 132. SeeFIG. 22. Once released from the hook-setting post 112, the curvature andshape retention (i.e., biasing force) of the metal hook assembly 111cause sudden linear movement of the double hooks 111A, 111B rearwardlythrough the retention bridge 113, as indicated at arrow 133. The doublehooks 111A, 111B then flare outwardly from the trailing end of the baseassembly 110 into a flared condition, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, withsufficient force to catch and pierce the fish. Rearward movement of thehook assembly 111 is limited by one or more projecting hook stops 135formed with the planar body 121. Additionally, the fishing lure 100 mayinclude an elongated rigid bait-attaching tail 136 located at thetrailing end of the base assembly 110. The tail 136 may be used forattaching live or artificial bait, such minnow, artificial worms, andthe like.

In further alternative embodiments, the mechanical fishing lure may besubstantially encapsulated within a larger artificial lure, or may beused or alone or in combination with other lures, tackle, or lure bodiesand components, and may be of any desired size, shape, andconfiguration.

Another exemplary mechanical fishing lure is illustrated in FIGS. 23-28.The fishing lure 200 comprises a substantially hollow (e.g., moldedplastic) body 210, a one-piece spring-biased metal hook assembly 220,and a pivoted actuation lever 230. The hollow body 210 has roundedtapered front end (or nose) 211, an annular rear end 212, and interiorwalls 213 defining an internal tubular firing chamber “C” best shown inFIG. 25. An escape notch 214, shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, is formed (andcommunicates) with an annular rim 215 at the rear end 212 of the hollowbody 210, and at the exit end of the firing chamber “C”. Referring toFIG. 26, in this exemplary embodiment, the escape notch 214 (FIG. 26)has a length dimension “D1” which is substantially greater than (e.g.,at least twice) its circumferential dimension “D2” The exemplary lurebody 210 may further include an eye 216 at its front end 211 forreceiving a free end of fishing line (not shown), and opposing outwardlyflared wings 217, 218. The wings 217, 218 may help properly orient thefishing lure 200 as it is drawn through the water, and may also functionas a weed guard.

The spring-biased hook assembly 220 is located substantially inside thefiring chamber “C” of the body 210 in a loaded condition, as shown inFIGS. 23, 25 and 26, and is designed for sudden rearward linear movementfrom the loaded condition into a released fish-catching condition, shownFIGS. 27 and 28. As best shown in FIG. 29, the exemplary hook assembly220 comprises first and second metal hooks 221A, 221B integrally-formedtogether at its proximal end 222, and having respective oppositelydirected bends 223A, 223B and points 224A, 224B at its flared distal end225. Each metal hook 221A, 221B further comprises substantially straightshafts 226A, 226B formed with the proximal end 222, relatively longintermediate inwardly curved sections 227A, 227B, and relatively shortoutwardly curved sections 228A, 228B formed with respective bends 223A,223B. In the exemplary embodiment, the straight shafts 226A, 226B areshorter than the inwardly curved sections 227A, 227B, and slightlylonger than the outwardly curved sections 228A, 228B. The outwardlycurved sections 228A, 228B are only slightly longer than the length D1of the escape notch 214, and are less than one-half the length of theinwardly curved sections 227A, 227B. The distal end 225 of the hookassembly 220 is adapted for being pushed together against an inherentspring-biasing force of the hook assembly, such that the oppositelydirected bends 223A, 223B and points 224A, 224B reside closer togetherwhen in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation of thespring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition, asdescribed further below. In the loaded condition, the outwardly curvedsections 228A, 228B of hook assembly 220 reside directly adjacent theannular rear end 212 of the lure body 210, and frictionally engage theinterior walls 213 of firing chamber “C”.

The pivoted actuation lever 230 has a proximal end 231 joined to thehollow body 210 (e.g., by living hinge or other means), and an oppositehook-engaging end 232 adapted for releasing the hook assembly 220 fromthe loaded condition. In the present embodiment, the hook-engaging end232 of the actuation lever 230 may define a small hook opening 233 (orhole), best shown in FIG. 24, for slidably receiving one of the firstand second metal hooks 221, 222. The hook-engaging end 232 cooperateswith opposing spaced-apart intermediate shoulders 241, 242 forming ahook slot 244, shown in FIG. 24, to help guide and control rapid linearmovement the hook assembly 220 when released rearwardly from the loadedcondition into the fish-catching condition.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, when in the loaded condition, the inherentspring-biasing force of the hook assembly 220 is stored inside thefiring chamber “C” of the lure body 210. Respective outwardly curvedsections 228A, 228B of the metal hooks 221A, 221B adjacent the bends223A, 223B frictionally engage the interior chamber walls 213 at theannular rim 215 of the lure body 210. When the actuation lever 230 ispivoted, the hook-engaging end 232 pushes the outwardly curved section228A of hook assembly 220 into the escape notch 214 of the lure body210, such that the spring-biasing force of the hook assembly 220 causessudden rearward movement of the hook assembly outwardly from the firingchamber “C” as the metal hooks 221A, 221B flare apart into the releasedfish-catching condition. Retention pin 245 best shown in FIG. 25 stopsrearward movement of the hook assembly, and holds the hook assembly 220to the lure body 210 when released. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the hookassembly 220 in the fish-catching condition.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. Noelement, act, or instruction used in this description should beconstrued as important, necessary, critical, or essential to theinvention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a view ofthe exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthis invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that anail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment offastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular functionor step) is recited in the claims, a construction under §112, 6thparagraph is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that thescope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined byreading into any claim a limitation found herein that does notexplicitly appear in the claim itself.

1. An artificial fishing lure, comprising: a substantially hollow bodyhaving front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber,and an escape notch formed with said hollow body at its rear end; aone-piece spring-biased hook assembly located substantially within saidfiring chamber of said body in a loaded condition and adapted for suddenrearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a releasedfish-catching condition, said hook assembly comprising first and secondmetal hooks integrally-formed together at a proximal end of said hookassembly, and having oppositely directed bends and points at a distalend of said hook assembly, the distal end of said hook assembly adaptedfor being pushed together against an inherent spring-biasing force ofsaid hook assembly, such that the oppositely directed bends and pointsreside substantially together when in the loaded condition and flareapart by operation of the spring-biasing force into the releasedfish-catching condition; and a pivoted actuation lever having a proximalend joined to said hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging endadapted for releasing said hook assembly from the loaded condition; suchthat: (i) in the loaded condition, the inherent spring-biasing force ofsaid hook assembly is stored inside the firing chamber of said body; and(ii) when said actuation lever is pivoted, said hook-engaging end movessaid hook assembly into the escape notch of said hollow body, wherebythe spring-biasing force of said hook assembly causes sudden rearwardmovement of said hook assembly outwardly from the firing chamber andinto the released fish-catching condition.
 2. An artificial fishing lureaccording to claim 1, wherein the firing chamber of said hollow body issubstantially tubular.
 3. An artificial fishing lure according to claim1, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing internal shoulders spacedapart to form a guide slot within the firing chamber.
 4. An artificialfishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said hollow body comprises aneye at its front end for receiving a free end of fishing line.
 5. Anartificial fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said hollow bodycomprises opposing outwardly flared wings.
 6. An artificial fishing lureaccording to claim 1, wherein the hook-engaging end of said actuationlever defines a hook opening for slidably receiving one of said firstand second metal hooks therethrough, such that the hook-engaging endguides and controls movement said hook assembly when released rearwardlyinto the fish-catching condition.
 7. An artificial fishing lureaccording to claim 1, wherein said actuation lever is substantiallyL-shaped.
 8. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 1, whereinthe rear end of said hollow body is substantially annular.
 9. Anartificial fishing lure according to claim 8, wherein said escape notchis formed with an annular rim at the rear end of said hollow body. 10.An artificial fishing lure according to claim 9, wherein said escapenotch has a length dimension extending along a length of said body andcircumferential dimension along a circumference of the annular rim, thelength dimension being greater than the circumferential dimension. 11.An artificial fishing lure, comprising: a substantially hollow bodyhaving front and rear ends, walls defining a substantially tubularinternal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with an annular rimat the rear end of said hollow body; a one-piece spring-biased hookassembly located substantially within said firing chamber of said bodyin a loaded condition and adapted for sudden rearward linear movementfrom the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition, saidhook assembly comprising first and second metal hooks integrally-formedtogether at a proximal end of said hook assembly, and having oppositelydirected bends and points at a distal end of said hook assembly, thedistal end of said hook assembly adapted for being pushed togetheragainst an inherent spring-biasing force of said hook assembly, suchthat the oppositely directed bends and points reside substantiallytogether when in the loaded condition and flare apart by operation ofthe spring-biasing force into the released fish-catching condition; anda pivoted actuation lever having a proximal end joined to said hollowbody, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for releasing said hookassembly from the loaded condition; such that: (i) in the loadedcondition, the inherent spring-biasing force of said hook assembly isstored inside the firing chamber of said body; and (ii) when saidactuation lever is pivoted, said hook-engaging end moves said hookassembly into the escape notch of said hollow body, whereby thespring-biasing force of said hook assembly causes sudden rearwardmovement of said hook assembly outwardly from the firing chamber andinto the released fish-catching condition.
 12. An artificial fishinglure according to claim 11, wherein said hollow body comprises opposinginternal shoulders spaced apart to form a guide slot within the firingchamber.
 13. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, whereinsaid hollow body comprises an eye at its front end for receiving a freeend of fishing line.
 14. An artificial fishing lure according to claim11, wherein said hollow body comprises opposing outwardly flared wings.15. An artificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein thehook-engaging end of said actuation lever defines a hook opening forslidably receiving one of said first and second metal hookstherethrough, such that the hook-engaging end guides and controlsmovement said hook assembly when released rearwardly into thefish-catching condition.
 16. An artificial fishing lure according toclaim 11, wherein said actuation lever is substantially L-shaped.
 17. Anartificial fishing lure according to claim 11, wherein the rear end ofsaid hollow body is substantially annular.
 18. An artificial fishinglure according to claim 11, wherein said escape notch has a lengthdimension extending along a length of said body and circumferentialdimension along a circumference of the annular rim, the length dimensionbeing greater than the circumferential dimension.